Fresh Catch: Seafood Market Expanding With Takeout Venture Along CT Shoreline Fresh Catch: Seafood Market Expanding With Takeout Venture Along CT Shoreline
Fresh Catch: Seafood Market Expanding With Takeout Venture Along CT Shoreline A seafood market is casting a bigger net by opening a restaurant in a popular destination for foodies along the Connecticut shoreline. J&R Seafood Market will open a takeout restaurant in Mystic called Off The Hook, the shop said in a Facebook post. The spot will be on West Main Street in the former home of Young Buns Doughnuts, which closed at the end of 2024. The new grab-and-go concept promises a curated menu of fresh and flavorful seafood dishes, maintaining the same quality and dedication customers of the Williams Avenue store have come to expect. "The fish market is STAYING …
400+ REI Employees Laid Off, Outdoor Retailer Ends Adventure Travel Program 400+ REI Employees Laid Off, Outdoor Retailer Ends Adventure Travel Program
400+ REI Employees Laid Off, Outdoor Retailer Ends Adventure Travel Program More than 400 employees will lose their jobs as REI closes its Experiences program, ending the adventure travel and outdoor education programs that have been part of the retailer’s identity for 40 years. REI announced the shutdown of its Experiences division in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The decision will result in 438 layoffs for 180 full-time employees and 248 part-time guides as the company shifts focus to its core business. The retail chain cited ongoing financial challenges as the reason for ending the program. Experiences included adventure travel, day to…
Mall Brand Merger: JCPenney Unites With Forever 21, Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers Operator Mall Brand Merger: JCPenney Unites With Forever 21, Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers Operator
Mall Brand Merger: JCPenney Unites With Forever 21, Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers Operator JCPenney is merging with a company that owns several other retailers that have also struggled as malls have declined in popularity across the U.S. The 123-year-old department store chain and SPARC Group have combined to form Catalyst Brands, the new company said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. SPARC Group is the operator of stores including Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Forever 21, Lucky Brand, and Nautica. Former JCPenney CEO Marc Rosen will become the CEO of Catalyst Brands, which boasts more than $9 billion of revenue and about 60,000 employees at …
Mail Won’t Be Delivered Thursday, Jan. 9: Here's Why Mail Won’t Be Delivered Thursday, Jan. 9: Here's Why
Mail Won’t Be Delivered Thursday, Jan. 9: Here's Why The United States Postal Service will pause mail delivery and retail services on Thursday, Jan. 9, to honor the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter on a National Day of Mourning. All post office locations will be closed for the day, following an executive order from President Joe Biden directing federal agencies to close as a mark of respect for Carter, the nation’s 39th president. While regular mail services will be suspended, limited package delivery will continue, the USPS announced. Carter, who died on Sunday, Dec. 29, at age 100 after nearly two years in hospice care, mad…
East Coast Ports Dodge Shutdown As Dockworkers Reach Tentative Six-Year Deal East Coast Ports Dodge Shutdown As Dockworkers Reach Tentative Six-Year Deal
East Coast Ports Dodge Shutdown As Dockworkers Reach Tentative Six-Year Deal Dockworkers and port companies have come to a tentative agreement on a new six-year deal, avoiding another work stoppage that would cause major shipping disruptions along the East Coast. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) announced the tentative agreement in a joint news release at night on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The deal aimed to avoid another potential strike on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The ILA and USMX agreed to extend the current master contract until ILA representatives can convene for a ratification vote and USMX members can final…
Health Alert Issued For Popular Chicken Product Sold At Walmart Health Alert Issued For Popular Chicken Product Sold At Walmart
Health Alert Issued For Popular Chicken Product Sold At Walmart A public health alert has just been issued for a popular frozen chicken product. The product labeled as Chicken Curry Empanadas may contain Apple Cinnamon Empanadas, with milk, a known allergen, that is not declared on the product label, according to US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).  FSIS said it is issuing this alert to ensure that consumers with allergies to milk are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase. The frozen empanada products labeled …
Raw Kitten Food Sold In CT Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination, FDA Says Raw Kitten Food Sold In CT Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination, FDA Says
Raw Kitten Food Sold In CT Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination, FDA Says Blue Ridge Beef is recalling 1,350 pounds of its raw cat food sold across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic after the product tested positive for salmonella, officials said. The Food and Drug Administration said the recall impacts two-pound logs of Blue Ridge Beef's kitten mix with lot number N25-0716 (UPC 854298001436). A customer complained about a cat getting sick after eating the mix and a food sample was collected on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. The Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory confirmed the product tested positive for salmonella on Friday, Jan. 3. The FDA said the food …
H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC
H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC H&R Block will pay $7 million in federal fines for deceptive practices and must implement sweeping changes to its filing services in time for the 2025 tax season, officials said. H&R Block reached the settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, the agency announced in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The order requires the company to revamp its services and pay $7 million to compensate its customers. The settlement stemmed from a February 2024 complaint accusing H&R Block of forcing users to contact customer service to downgrade products. The tax filer was also a…
High-End 'Pawn Shop', Gourmet Dining Set To Dazzle At Newest Mohegan Sun Restaurant High-End 'Pawn Shop', Gourmet Dining Set To Dazzle At Newest Mohegan Sun Restaurant
High-End 'Pawn Shop', Gourmet Dining Set To Dazzle At Newest Mohegan Sun Restaurant A new restaurant with a luxury pawn shop and speakeasy vibes will soon open at Mohegan Sun. Beauty & Essex is set to open next to novelle in the Casino of the Sky on Friday, Feb. 7, Mohegan Sun said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The 11,000-square-foot restaurant will be operated by Tao Group Hospitality, which also opened TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at the Uncasville casino in 2021. Co-created by Chef Chris Santos, Mohegan Sun said Beauty & Essex will offer a unique, eclectic dining experience. "The addition of Beauty & Essex furthers our partnership …
Delta Teams Up With Uber, Ending SkyMiles Rewards Partnership With Lyft Delta Teams Up With Uber, Ending SkyMiles Rewards Partnership With Lyft
Delta Teams Up With Uber, Ending SkyMiles Rewards Partnership With Lyft Delta will enter a new partnership with Uber and allow SkyMiles customers to earn rewards on rides, ending the airline's longtime relationship with Lyft, officials said. Delta Air Lines and Uber announced their new partnership at the CES 2025 trade show in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Jan. 7. SkyMiles members will be able to earn miles for eligible Uber riders and Uber Eats orders in the spring of 2025. The heads of the companies shared their excitement about the venture, saying that about 15 percent of all Uber ride bookings either begin or end at airports. "Delta is thrilled to come together wi…
Frontier Plans Flights From JFK To Three New Destinations, Special Deals Offered Frontier Plans Flights From JFK To Three New Destinations, Special Deals Offered
Frontier Plans Flights From JFK To Three New Destinations, Special Deals Offered Frontier Airlines is expanding its presence at John F. Kennedy International Airport with three new nonstop routes launching in the spring of 2025, officials said. Frontier will start flying from JFK to Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Los Angeles, the airline said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The three destinations are known as major hubs for American Airlines. Daily service from JFK to Miami International Airport will begin on Sunday, Mar. 30, and Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday, May 1. Four flights a week will travel between JFK and Dallas Fort Worth International Air…
These Two Girl Scout Cookie Flavors Will Be Retired In 2025: How You Can Buy Them These Two Girl Scout Cookie Flavors Will Be Retired In 2025: How You Can Buy Them
These Two Girl Scout Cookie Flavors Will Be Retired In 2025: How You Can Buy Them If you love Girl Scout Cookies, 2025 is the last year you can buy two special flavors. The Girl Scouts of the USA said that it will retire its S’mores and Toast-Yay! cookies after this season. The organization made the announcement in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 7 as it kicks off the 2025 Girl Scout Cookie season. S'mores cookies were introduced in 2017 and are made by Little Brownie Bakers. Just like the campfire classic, the Girl Scout version has a chocolate and marshmallow filling in between two graham sandwich cookies. The Toast-Yay! flavor was introduced in 2021 an…
2.5+ Million Teslas Investigated For Crashes Linked To Remote Driving Feature, NHTSA Says 2.5+ Million Teslas Investigated For Crashes Linked To Remote Driving Feature, NHTSA Says
2.5+ Million Teslas Investigated For Crashes Linked To Remote Driving Feature, Nhtsa Says A federal investigation has been launched into more than 2.5 million Tesla vehicles after reports of crashes involving a system that allows vehicles to be remotely controlled through a smartphone app, officials said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened the probe into Tesla's "Actually Smart Summon" system on Monday, Jan. 6. A preliminary investigation report said the auto safety agency was looking into at least four crashes involving Teslas using the self-driving feature. The investigation includes an estimated 2,585,000 Teslas with full self-dri…
Meta Drops Fact-Checking Program Ahead Of Trump's White House Return, Company Says Meta Drops Fact-Checking Program Ahead Of Trump's White House Return, Company Says
Meta Drops Fact-Checking Program Ahead Of Trump's White House Return, Company Says Meta is dismantling its third-party fact-checking program in the U.S. and aims to bring back political content as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, the company said. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the changes in a video statement on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The company that owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, will replace its fact-checking program with a Community Notes system similar to the one implemented on X (formerly Twitter). Zuckerberg said the new system's goal is to reduce bias and restore free expression. "Fact-checkers have be…
McDonald's Launches McValue Menu With $1 Deals, Free Fries, Big Perks McDonald's Launches McValue Menu With $1 Deals, Free Fries, Big Perks
McDonald's Launches McValue Menu With $1 Deals, Free Fries, Big Perks A new year means a new way to save money at McDonald's. The fast-food chain has officially debuted its new McValue menu on Tuesday, Jan. 7, McDonald's said in a news release. U.S. customers can enjoy deals like the new "Buy One, Add One for $1" offer and the popular $5 Meal Deal. The McValue menu also introduces exclusive app deals, including free medium fries with a $1 purchase every Friday throughout 2025 and a complimentary McCrispy chicken sandwich for first-time app users.  Owners of the roughly 13,500 restaurants nationwide can also add their own flair and unique …
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sounding the alarm on a sophisticated new imposter scheme designed to steal your money and personal information.  These scams are becoming increasingly convincing, but learning to spot the red flags can help you stay protected. How the Scam Works Initial Contact: Scammers pose as representatives from well-known companies, such as Amazon or a tech support service. They’ll claim there’s a routine issue, like suspicious charges on your account, a computer virus, or an account breach. Escalation: The scammers lie, saying your name is tied to serious …
Popular Cold & Flu Medicine Recalled Over Contamination Concerns Popular Cold & Flu Medicine Recalled Over Contamination Concerns
Popular Cold & Flu Medicine Recalled Over Contamination Concerns A widely used cold and flu medication is being recalled due to potential contamination with foreign materials. The recall affects Kirkland Signature Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion medication sold at Costco in October and November. Impacted products have the lot code P140082 printed on the box and are linked to item number 1729556. Costco advises consumers to stop using the product immediately and return it to any Costco location for a full refund. “If you have any issues or concerns, contact us at 1-800-426-9391 or via email at complaints-inquiries@lnkintl.com,” the company said in …
Layoffs Loom At Washington Post Amid Talent Exodus, Financial Struggles: Report Layoffs Loom At Washington Post Amid Talent Exodus, Financial Struggles: Report
Layoffs Loom At Washington Post Amid Talent Exodus, Financial Struggles: Report The Washington Post is bracing for significant layoffs this week, with dozens of employees in the business division expected to lose their jobs, according to a report. Layoffs are set to shake The Washington Post, targeting the business division of the Jeff Bezos-owned and Will Lewis-led newspaper, Oliver Darcy reported in his Status newsletter. Sources said the cuts will be substantial, potentially impacting dozens of employees. The news comes as morale continues to plummet at the newspaper, which has recently experienced a wave of high-profile departures. Star reporter Josh Dawsey is…
Disney, Fubo To Combine Streaming Services In Major Merger Disney, Fubo To Combine Streaming Services In Major Merger
Disney, Fubo To Combine Streaming Services In Major Merger Disney is set to acquire a majority stake in FuboTV Inc., merging its Hulu + Live TV service with Fubo in a transformative deal expected to reshape the streaming landscape. The combined business, operating under the Fubo name, will continue offering Hulu + Live TV and Fubo as separate services, the companies announced in news releases on Monday, Jan. 6.  With 6.2 million North American subscribers, the new venture aims to deliver greater consumer choice through expanded programming and flexible pricing. "This combination enables us to deliver on our promise to provide consumers with g…
New Savings Stations Hit Stop & Shop New Savings Stations Hit Stop & Shop
New Savings Stations Hit Stop & Shop Stop & Shop is introducing Savings Station kiosks to make digital coupons accessible for all customers, including those without smartphones or internet access. The kiosks are expected to be installed in all of the company’s 350+ stores by the end of January. Customers can activate digital coupons and personalized offers by scanning their GO Rewards loyalty card or entering their phone number at the kiosk.  A QR code option is available for touchless activation, and customers can print a list of their loaded coupons for reference while shopping, with savings applied automatically at…
Alleged Eavesdropping Costs $95 Million As Apple Reaches Siri Settlement Alleged Eavesdropping Costs $95 Million As Apple Reaches Siri Settlement
Alleged Eavesdropping Costs $95 Million As Apple Reaches Siri Settlement Apple will pay a $95 million settlement regarding allegations that its virtual assistant, Siri, eavesdropped on users without their consent, according to multiple reports. The settlement, filed in federal court in Oakland, California this week, addresses a lawsuit that dates back five years and must be approved by a US District judge at a hearing on Friday, Feb. 14, Bloomberg Law reports. The lawsuit claims that Siri was activated to record conversations even when users did not use the launching phrase, “Hey, Siri.” These recordings were allegedly shared with third parties s to target user…
Pouring Their Last: Husband, Wife CT Tavern Owners Retire After 16 Years Of Service Pouring Their Last: Husband, Wife CT Tavern Owners Retire After 16 Years Of Service
Pouring Their Last: Husband, Wife CT Tavern Owners Retire After 16 Years Of Service After 16 years at the helm of one of Connecticut’s most popular and unique taverns, Old Well Tavern owners Frank Cardoso and Erika Lange have announced their retirement, marking the end of an era. The couple, who built the pub into a staple of the Simsbury community, shared the news in a heartfelt Facebook post reflecting on their journey filled with unforgettable memories and deep community connections. However, this is not the end of the storied Old Well Tavern — new owners will reopen the 20 Tariffville Road establishment on Jan. 10. Hello Old Well Faithful! This is a difficul…
Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open
Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open Big Lots has announced a major development following its September bankruptcy filing. The discount retail chain says it's entered a strategic agreement with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners and Variety Wholesalers to preserve the brand, save thousands of jobs, and keep hundreds of stores open. Variety Wholesalers, known for its portfolio of retail brands, plans to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots locations, along with up to two distribution centers. There are about 1,400 Big Lots stores nationwide. The transition ensures Big Lots can transfer key assets and maintain continuity of its br…
Warning Issued After Nationwide Recall Of Popular Candy Bar Warning Issued After Nationwide Recall Of Popular Candy Bar
Warning Issued After Nationwide Recall Of Popular Candy Bar Federal authorities have issued a nationwide warning after the recall of a popular candy bar. Gardners Candies, based in Tyrone, PA, has voluntarily recalled its Cappuccino Meltaway Bars due to undeclared tree nuts (cashews), posing a serious risk to those with allergies. What to Know: Affected Products: 1.25-ounce packages of Cappuccino Meltaway Bars. Distribution: Sold across the country through retail stores and mail orders starting Sunday, Sept. 1. Packaging: The bars are in white plastic wrappers marked with lot #082725 and an expiration date of Aug. 27, 2025. They can also be found …
Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product: Here's What to Know Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product: Here's What to Know
Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product: Here's What to Know A popular frozen vegetable product is being recalled due to undeclared milk allergens, posing a risk to individuals with milk allergies. Key Details: Company: Lidl Product Name: “Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables” Product Details: 10.5 oz box, UPC 4 056489 122876 Distribution Period: Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 to Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 States Affected: Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia Consumer Action: Do not consume the product. Return it to any Lidl store for a full refund; no rece…
FDA Elevates Costco Egg Recall Over Salmonella Concerns FDA Elevates Costco Egg Recall Over Salmonella Concerns
FDA Elevates Costco Egg Recall Over Salmonella Concerns The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised its recall alert for a brand of eggs to the highest level due to potential Salmonella contamination, which could lead to severe health risks or even death. The brand, Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs, were sold at Costco. This follows a voluntary recall initiated by New York City-based manufacturer Handsome Brook Farms in late November. Earlier Report: Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination The affected eggs, bearing UPC 9661910680, Julian code 327, and a use-by date of Jan. 5, 2…
Nissan, Honda Eye Potential Merger Nissan, Honda Eye Potential Merger
Nissan, Honda Eye Potential Merger Two of the world's biggest automakers may soon become one. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to discuss a potential merger aimed at revolutionizing the future of mobility and electrification.  Announced on Monday, Dec. 23, the goal is to establish a joint holding company that could significantly impact the automotive landscape, and potentially make the combined corporation the world's third-largest auto manufacturer. The merger aims to accelerate initiatives for carbon neutrality and zero traffic fatalities by pooling reso…
Brewing Tensions: Starbucks Strike Expands To 9 States Brewing Tensions: Starbucks Strike Expands To 9 States
Brewing Tensions: Starbucks Strike Expands To 9 States A Starbucks workers' strike, which began in select stores, has expanded to nine states as employees push for better wages and working conditions during the holiday rush. The strike, led by Starbucks Workers United, demands higher pay and improved staffing to address what employees describe as chronic understaffing during peak hours.  Workers at dozens of stores in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania joined the strike over the weekend. Starbucks has a total of about 16,000 stores in the US and around 35,000 worldwide. Over the weekend, picket lines formed at high-traffic stores in N…
Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores, Including 11 In Connecticut Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores, Including 11 In Connecticut
Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores, Including 11 In Connecticut The party is over for a popular chain store that's been in business for decades. Party City is “winding down” operations immediately at its approximately 800 locations, CEO Barry Litwin told corporate employees  in a video call on Friday, Dec. 20, CNN reports. Workers were told they will not receive severance pay, and that their benefits would end as the company goes out of business, CNN says. The company, headquartered in in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, is running low on cash and unable to pay rent in some locations, according to an earlier Bloomberg report. Party City was foun…
CT's Six Remaining Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When CT's Six Remaining Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When
CT's Six Remaining Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When Big Lots, the popular discount retailer, is officially going out of business.  The company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September, has announced plans to close all 963 of its remaining stores nationwide, including six locations in Connecticut. The last day of business is expected to be in mid-February, according to sources familiar with the closures. While official store closing sales have not yet begun, all Christmas items are currently 50% off, offering shoppers a chance to stock up before the doors shut for good. The closures mark the end of an era for the budget-frien…
Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures
Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures Nearly 30 percent of US pharmacies closed between 2010 and 2021, according to a new study in the health-policy publication Health Affairs. The research, led by University of California Berkeley assistant professor Jenny S. Guadamuz and colleagues, analyzed data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs, county health statistics, and ZIP Code demographic surveys.  Of the 88,930 retail pharmacies operating in 2010, almost one-third shuttered by 2021, with those in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods disproportionately affected, Independent pharmacies were hit ha…